COAST Rescue & Conservation
We exist for the rescue, rehabilitation, research, welfare & ultimately the conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles.
Specialist Wildlife Rescue ON the nsw south coast
Our Commitment to Wildlife
COAST Rescue (Conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles Inc.) is a leading organisation specialising in the rescue, research, and conservation of Australia's seabirds and marine reptiles. Drawing on extensive knowledge of Australia's seabird and marine turtle species, our dedicated team is committed to advancing their protection while maintaining the highest standards of rescue, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Recognised as a leader in seabird rescue, COAST Rescue provides specialist support and emergency response services throughout the NSW South Coast.
Why COAST Rescue?
Operating on the south coast of NSW over the last two decades, our membership comprises of well over 100 years of niche wildlife rescue and rehabilitation experience. This wealth of knowledge is held and shared within our COAST Rescue team of the complex species we work with.
Our dedicated volunteers rescue and rehabilitate injured, entangled and orphaned wildlife around the clock via our 24/7 rescue hotline delivering specialist care and emergency response from the Sutherland Shire to the Victorian border.
For SEABIRD, SHOREBIRD, SEA TURTLE & SEA SNAKE EMERGENCIES please call our 24/7 rescue hotline.
☎️ 0431 282 238
Rescue
We operate a 24/7 rescue hotline that covers the NSW south coast community.
Our network of volunteer rescue members attends to incident call outs, assess each situation and the wildlife.
In some cases, initial support or intervention is carried out in situ e.g. an entanglement.
The niche wildlife experience and knowledge is held and shared within our COAST Rescue team of the complex species we work with.
Conservation
Our team brings skill and passion to every project, no matter the size.
From coastal clean ups, to our
biannual PeliCount (national citizen science survey) to collaboration with sister wildlife groups and local council environmental initiatives.
As we move forward, the COAST Rescue vision is to offer the NSW south coast more conservation initiatives and greater support for our unique and migratory avian and reptile marine wildlife.
Education
We love to share our knowledge and experiences in a meaningful and positive way for the benefit of our marine wildlife and our local region.
Just a few of the activities COAST Rescue has hosted and participate in:
* Coastal clean ups
* PeliCount (national citizen science
project)
* Birdlife Australia annual bird count
* Community events and educational stalls
caring for the marine wildlife of the nsw south coast
OUR MEMBERS + GROUP MISSION
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
Our mission is to protect Australia’s marine and coastal birdlife and reptile species that live in NSW or travel through our coastal waterways, skies, and shorelines.
We aim to grow COAST Rescue into an organisation volunteers want to join and communities want to support; deliver long-term, practical programs and research outcomes for the
Our mission is to protect Australia’s marine and coastal birdlife and reptile species that live in NSW or travel through our coastal waterways, skies, and shorelines.
We aim to grow COAST Rescue into an organisation volunteers want to join and communities want to support; deliver long-term, practical programs and research outcomes for the seabirds and reptiles we work with; operate as a proactive, professional, transparent, collaborative, and effective rescue and research organisation; and support healthy ocean ecosystems within marine highways, parks, and sanctuaries in Australia and beyond.
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
COAST Rescue aims to be the leader in seabird and shorebird rescue, rehabilitation and conservation across NSW. Through education and threatened awareness efforts we hope to compliment species recovery programs locally.
Our membership was established many years ago and today it has a rich history of wildlife care and advocacy. Due to hab
COAST Rescue aims to be the leader in seabird and shorebird rescue, rehabilitation and conservation across NSW. Through education and threatened awareness efforts we hope to compliment species recovery programs locally.
Our membership was established many years ago and today it has a rich history of wildlife care and advocacy. Due to habitat loss across the coastline, we now support all the regions in southern NSW, from the Sutherland Shire to the Sapphire Coast, all the way to the Victorian border.
COMMUNITY + PELICOUNT surveys
WILDLIFE SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
COMMUNITY + PELICOUNT surveys
Introducing PeliCount!
Australian Pelicans are iconic in our local landscape, yet much remains unknown about how best to conserve them locally. Our PeliCount project invites everyone to contribute while spending time in nature. It aims to create a national snapshot of pelican distribution, identify key habitats, and track juvenile dispers
Introducing PeliCount!
Australian Pelicans are iconic in our local landscape, yet much remains unknown about how best to conserve them locally. Our PeliCount project invites everyone to contribute while spending time in nature. It aims to create a national snapshot of pelican distribution, identify key habitats, and track juvenile dispersal.
Community Conservation Efforts
Our team advocates for stronger policies to protect local wildlife. Through collaborative submissions and letters, COAST Rescue will keep engaging with all levels of government to prioritise policies that safeguard our natural environment and marine areas.
DONATE TODAY
Every donation makes a real difference to local native wildlife and the future of COAST Rescue. Your support helps sustain our rescue service and protect local biodiversity.
COAST Rescue has deductible gift recipient (DGR) status, so financial donations of $2 or more from Australian donors are tax deductible.
Thank you for your kindness and generous support.
Would you like to give more?
Please email us to discuss options, current needs, legacy giving, memorial donations, or bequests.
Quality PPE for our volunteers
With H5 bird flu approaching, we urgently need essential medical supplies, including expired items, to care for injured wildlife.
Accepted donations include saline solution, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser, Hartmann's solution, safety glasses, N95 face masks, face shields, assorted syringes, instant heat and cold packs, and antiseptic wipes and sprays.
Expert Rescue + Care
COAST Rescue volunteers complete specialist training to safely rescue and care for the unique species we support. This training is required before volunteers can be authorised to rescue or care for wildlife.
Our team follows sector Rehabilitation Codes of Practice to maintain appropriate care standards. Volunteers are mentored and supported by experienced rescue coordinators and our rescue hotline team.
Food + Fuel for Wildlife
The items our wildlife carers need vary by season and species. We are always seeking fish donations, so if you know anyone willing to donate quality product, please get in touch.
Thanks to generous donations, COAST Rescue offers food and fuel subsidies for our approved volunteer members and, where possible, will offer immediate disaster relief to its carers affected by or supporting wildlife emergencies.
Collaboration is key in supporting local wildlife!
COAST Rescue is dedicated to the protection, conservation, and welfare of Australian seabirds and marine wildlife through community-led monitoring, rescue coordination, research, and public education.
We work collaboratively with volunteers, licensed wildlife carers, researchers, and partner organisations to reduce human-related threats, improve outcomes for distressed wildlife, and support evidence-based conservation initiatives along Australia’s coastline.
Our network includes working or collaborating with the CSIRO, Universities, Taronga Wildlife Hospital, IFAW, the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Birdlife Australia and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
Seabirds
Seabirds are birds adapted to life in the marine environment. They vary widely in lifestyle, behaviour, and physiology, but generally live longer, breed later, produce fewer young, yet invest more time in their offspring than many other birds.
Most species nest in offshore colonies ranging from a few dozen birds to millions. Many undertake long annual migrations. They feed at the ocean's surface or below it.
The seabirds that frequent our part of the coast include; Shearwaters, Albatross, Petrels, Penguins and Gannets.
Shorebirds
Waders, or shorebirds, are birds commonly seen along shorelines and mudflats, where they forage for small animals such as aquatic insects and crustaceans. Most shorebirds live in our local wetlands or coastal environments, and many migrate long distances. Arctic species such as Bar-tailed Godwits spend their non-breeding season along our shores.
Many shorebird species are facing extinction due to habitat loss! The smallest member of this group is the Little Tern (Threatened species) while the largest species is the Far Eastern curlew (Critically Endangered).
Other shorebirds that frequent our part of the coast include; Pelicans, Herons, Oyster catchers, and the Hooded Plover.
Marine Reptiles
Sea turtles live mainly along tropical and subtropical coastlines, but they can migrate long distances and are known to travel through our coastal region. They are generally solitary. Species found in our area include Green, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill sea turtles, all of which are vulnerable or endangered.
Sea snakes are the most common marine reptiles. They are venomous, and while their bites can be fatal, they usually bite only when provoked and often inject a non-fatal amount of venom. They can be identified by their vertically flattened tails. The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake is the species most commonly found in our region.
Help reduce the threats to marine wildlife!
You can help protect marine wildlife by limiting the use of single use plastic, choosing sustainable seafood, reducing pollution and chemical runoff, supporting conservation initiatives, and advocating for stronger marine protections in our region.
For SEABIRD, SHOREBIRD, SEA TURTLE & SEA SNAKE EMERGENCIES please call our 24/7 rescue hotline.
☎️ 0431 282 238
KEY ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
Reduce Plastic Pollution; plastics are one of the biggest threats to marine life, causing injury, ingestion, and habitat damage. Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of disposable or single use items.
Choose Sustainable Seafood: overfishing and bycatch harm fish populations and marine ecosystems.
MORE KEY ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
Participate in local beach and bay clean‑up events: by removing debris from beaches and waterways you will directly help prevents harmful waste from reaching the ocean.
Protect marine habitats: marine sanctuaries are vital in our area as they support thousands of species. We must work within our communities to ensure these areas thrive into the future.
WHY TAKING ACTION MATTERS?
Marine wildlife faces many threats.
Even small, consistent actions—like reducing plastic use or choosing sustainable seafood contribute to healthier oceans and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Support COAST Rescue as we work to raise awareness of the threats to marine species and encourage compliance with regulations through education, research and improved enforcement.
Join the Team!
Would you like to be part of COAST Rescue?
Our Supporter Membership is NOW Open… During the cooler months, we are inviting supporters and fellow conservation minded followers to join the COAST Rescue family.
Membership starts at:
$30 for 1 year or 3 years for $60.
Complete our MEMBERSHIP FORM online.
Membership application forms will need to be completed online with a payment receipt provided. Once application forms have been received by the Committee, all applications will go through an approval
process. If the application is not successful, the payment will be refunded directly.
IMPORTANT: we are not taking Rehabilitation membership applications at this time.
You can view the COAST Rescue Constitution by clicking on this link.